Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 2026

Hotchin Gupta Lawyers (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and sensitive information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and manage your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

By accessing our website (https://hotchingupta.com.au) or engaging our legal services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

To provide effective legal representation, we must collect personal and sensitive information. The types of information we collect include:

  • Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, email, phone number, occupation, and financial details.

  • Sensitive Information: Due to the nature of personal injury law, we frequently collect sensitive information, including medical history, hospital records, psychological reports, details of injuries, and membership of professional or trade associations.

  • Website Data: IP addresses, browser types, and usage data collected via cookies when you visit our website.

2. How We Collect Information

We primarily collect information directly from you during consultations, via phone, email, or through our website contact forms.

With your consent, we may also collect information from third parties, such as:

  • Medical practitioners, hospitals, and allied health professionals.

  • Employers and workers’ compensation insurers (e.g., WorkCover).

  • Government agencies (e.g., Medicare, Centrelink, TAC).

  • Other legal professionals or witnesses relevant to your claim.

3. Purpose of Collection and Use

We collect and use your information for the following primary purposes:

  • Assessing your claim and providing legal advice.

  • Preparing legal documents, briefs, and representing you in court, tribunals, or settlement negotiations.

  • Communicating with you regarding the progress of your matter.

  • Briefing barristers, medical experts, or other specialists on your behalf.

  • Managing our internal business operations, including billing and record-keeping.

  • Complying with our legal and professional obligations.

4. Disclosure of Your Information

We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may disclose your information to third parties only as required to progress your legal matter, which may include:

  • Barristers, independent medical examiners, and expert witnesses.

  • Courts, tribunals, and regulatory bodies.

  • The opposing party’s legal representatives and insurance companies.

  • Government departments (e.g., Medicare, Centrelink) for clearance purposes.

  • Third-party service providers (e.g., IT support, secure cloud storage providers) who are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

5. Data Security and Storage

We take all reasonable steps to protect your personal and sensitive information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

  • Physical files are stored in secure premises.

  • Electronic data is stored on secure servers with robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption and access controls.

  • Once your matter is finalized, we will securely retain your file for the statutory period (typically 7 years) before securely destroying it.

6. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to request access to the personal and health information we hold about you. If you believe the information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete, you may request that we correct it.

To request access or correction, please contact us using the details below. We may require proof of identity before releasing any information.

7. Website Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, this may limit your ability to use certain features of our site.

8. Complaints

If you have a concern or complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in writing. We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

9. Contact Us

For any privacy-related inquiries, access requests, or complaints, please contact us at:

Hotchin Gupta Lawyers Email: s.hotchin@hotchingupta.com.au